In a recent study by mutual fund company American Century Investments, 31 percent of adults surveyed did not know what the letters I-R-A meant.  It is this lack of knowledge about money, economics and investing that has led American Century to develop a community service program, called Tips for Kids, based on finance and investment education.

Tips for Kids is an education program that puts middle school students (sixth through eighth grade) in real-life situations where they can apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills.  This hands-on learning program provides a variety of projects, activities and discussion opportunities that can be integrated into almost any subject area.  The complete program will take about 10 weeks to complete, allocating two or three hours each week.

The program enables students to get a head start on understanding economics, personal finance and business concepts.  The curriculum models effective instructional practices for teachers and children and encompasses three major themes in education: Experiential Learning, Constructivism and Collaborative Learning.

The curriculum is divided into four modules and each module is divided into learning units.  Modules are sequenced to introduce students to key financial concepts and economic principles.  The modules are: Money and Me, Economic Encounters, Mastering Finance and Business Building.

In the curriculum, students will learn:

• The history of money systems and how they're used
• Exchanging money for goods and services
• The importance of money management and how money affects their lives
• The difference between needs and wants
• The basics of credit and debt
• How to develop concepts & form opinions about personal finance
• The benefits of investing early
• How to research, select and track investments
• How to assemble a business plan
• How to run a business

Tips for Kids is available, free-of-charge, to teachers, home schoolers and parents via its Web site or on CD-ROM.  To apply for the program, visit www.tipsforkids.com

• Learn more about American Century Investments

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